Presidential bodyguard gunned down in brazen hit, manhunt launched

A manhunt has been launched in the KwaZulu-Natal following a brazen murder of a police officer from the Presidential Protection unit at eNtumeni, Eshowe in in the early hours of Sunday morning.

According to police, Sergeant Mzwakhe John Magwaza was asleep inside his rondavel when unknown suspects set the house alight.

"Magwaza’s neighbour, who is also a police officer, saw the house on fire and mobilised other neighbours to go and assist.

"When Magwaza was busy explaining to his rescuers how he tried to call his relatives with no success, as well as highlighting that there were people who wanted him dead, shots were fired at Magwaza," the police said.

"He tried to run for his life unfortunately his lifeless body was found underneath his car.

"The suspects also fled the scene with his service pistol."

The motive of the killing has not yet been established but investigations are underway.

The National Head of the Hawks Lt Gen Mthandazo Ntlemeza has condemned the killing of the officer and described it as an attack to the security of the state.

He appealed to members of the community to assist the police in the investigation by providing information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.

“We are saddened by the murder of one of our own. He was dedicated to the safety of the state and that of fellow South Africans. The people responsible for his death must know that we are out to get them. We urge anyone with information about the killing or the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward and help us restore justice,” said Ntlemeza.